Battersea Gasholders Demolition Begins

National Grid has now started to dismantle the disused gasholders next to Battersea Power Station to make way for new homes, shops and businesses.

The site was decommissioned in 2012 and the demolition is expected to last until December next year.

Improvements to the gas network and storage methods mean that the holders are no longer needed.

National Grid is currently in the process of selecting a development partner to help them realise their ambitions for the site which is located at the western end of the Nine Elms of the South Bank regeneration area.

Several major development projects are already underway just a short distance from the gasholders including Riverlight, Embassy Gardens, Battersea Power Station and the new US Embassy.

Keith Johnston, Land Regeneration Manager for National Grid, said: "As well as keeping the lights on and people warm by supplying electricity and gas to homes and businesses, we are also committed to bringing our old disused sites, such as Battersea, back to life. This site can provide new homes and also link the existing community to the new Nine Elms developments.”

Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "For decades this facility was part of a vital gas network but the holders are no longer needed and the land can be released to meet the needs of today’s Londoners.

“The site occupies a key location between established communities around Battersea Park and the new town centre taking shape within and around the power station. The land has clear potential to provide new homes and jobs as well as valuable new links to the new Nine Elms.

Information for local residents

Local people are invited to find out more about the project at drop-in information events this week at the gasholder site on Prince of Wales Drive:

3pm and 7pm, Wednesday 27th November

3pm and 7pm, Thursday 28th November

Paul Cooper, Project Manager for Coleman & Company, the specialists who will dismantle the holders said: “Dismantling the gasholders is a very exciting project. We’ve spent a great deal of time planning our work in detail and have innovatively overcome a number of technical challenges in the process. We hope people take this opportunity to find out more about our work and the site.”